Modern Xiaomi TVs running on Android TV or Google TV have built-in support for Chromecast built-in technology. This means that you do not need to buy a separate set-top box to stream content from a mobile device, since all the necessary functionality is already integrated into the system. However, despite the claimed compatibility, users often face a situation where the broadcast button in the applications is not active or the TV is simply not visible in the list of available devices.
The main cause of the problems lies in network settings and software versions. Successful synchronization of gadgets requires that both the smartphone and the TV are on a single local network, and the corresponding detection services are activated in the Mi TV menu. In this article, we will discuss in detail the algorithm of actions that will allow you to run a multimedia broadcast in high quality without delays and dissynchronization of sound.
Before you go to the complex manipulations, you should make sure that your TV model supports native technology Google Cast. Most of the current models of the Xiaomi Mi TV series P1, Q1 and later already have an embedded protocol. If you have an older model with a PatchWall shell without Google certification, you may need an external console Chromecast with Google TV, but in this guide we will focus on the software configuration of the built-in system functions.
Compatibility check and system update
The first step before setting up any smart TV feature is to update the software. Manufacturers often release patches that fix communication protocol errors and improve the stability of Wi-Fi modules. The outdated version of the firmware can block the operation of Google Cast services, even if the support is formally stated in the device specification.
To check for updates, go to the main menu and select Settings. Next, you need to find Device and Preferences (or simply About TV depending on the version of Android TV). In the menu that opens, select System and click on System Update. If the system offers a new version, be sure to agree to install it, saving all important data beforehand.
After you reboot your TV, you should also check the status of Google Play services. Go to the Google Play Store on your TV, open the profile menu and go to Settings -> About. Here you can see the version and run an update of the Google Play services themselves, which are responsible for running the built-in Chromecast.
- 📺 Make sure that the “About TV” section shows the current Android build TV.
- 🔄 Check for updates for the Google Cast Receiver system application».
- 🌐 Make sure that the region in Google Play settings matches your location.
⚠️ Note: During the firmware update process, it is strictly forbidden to pull the power cord out of the socket. Interrupting the system files recording can lead to irreversible damage to the software and require flashing through the service center.
What to do if the update is not available?
Basic network setup and device detection
Chromecast technology is key to finding devices on the same subnet, and users often find that the router is sending signals at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz as two different networks, or the router is enabled with the Guest Network mode, which isolates devices from each other. The TV and the smartphone must be connected to the same thing. SSID (name).
Go to the settings of the Xiaomi TV via the remote, selecting the gear icon in the upper right corner. Go to the Network and Internet section and select your Wi-Fi network. If the connection is already installed, check the status: it must be “Connected”. On the smartphone, perform a similar action by turning off mobile Internet (3G/4G/5G), since the broadcast works exclusively through the local Wi-Fi channel.
An important parameter is also activation of developer mode or special permissions for detection. Some versions of the PatchWall shell require that applications manually allow devices to search on the local network. This can be done in the Settings -> Privacy -> Permissions, where you want to give access to the local network for Google Play Services.
For stable video transmission in 4K resolution, it is recommended to use the 5 GHz band, as it provides higher bandwidth. However, if the signal is weak due to walls or distance, it is better to switch to 2.4 GHz to avoid constant buffering.
Instructions for launching broadcast from the phone
Once the network settings have been verified, you can move on to the direct broadcast process. The mechanics of the actions may vary slightly depending on the operating system of your smartphone (Android or iOS) and the application from which you plan to broadcast.
Android smartphone owners often don't even have to open a specific app. Just drop the notification curtain and find the Broadcast widget (or Smart View, Cast depending on the phone's brand) and click on it and you'll see a list of available devices. Select your Xiaomi TV from the list. The phone screen will instantly show up on a large display.
If you're using an iPhone or iPad, the process requires a Google Home app. Install it from the App Store, log in to your Google account. The app automatically finds the TV on the network. When you click on the TV icon, select Broadcast. To stream videos from specific apps (YouTube, Netflix), just click on the rectangle icon with the waves inside the app.
☑️ Checklist before broadcast
It is worth noting that when broadcasting the entire screen of a smartphone (mirroring), the image may have black stripes on the sides if aspect ratio_ The phone doesn't match the TV screen.
| Type of content | Launch method | Quality. | Dependence on the phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video (YouTube, Netflix) | Cast button inside the app | Maximum (up to 4K) | The phone serves as a remote control. |
| Photo/Gallery | Through Google Photos or Google Home | High. | The phone should be active. |
| The whole screen (Games, Browser) | System function "Translation" | Depends on the Wi-Fi signal. | The phone cannot be blocked. |
| Chrome tabs | Menu "Translate" in the browser | Adaptive. | Low. |
Setting up Google Home for management
The Google Home app is the central hub for managing your smart home and Chromecast devices. Even if you have Android, installing this app on your phone makes it much easier to set up, allowing you to rename devices, manage volume and customize groups.
Once you install the app and log in, find your TV in the device list, click on it and you'll be taken to the control panel, which has a feature called Translate screen, which duplicates the Android system function, but often works more stable, and you can set up background images (Ambient mode) that will appear on the TV when it's not in use.
You can also change the name of your TV in the settings of the device inside Google Home, which can look like Android TV 43 or a set of characters by default, rename it to Living Room or Xiaomi Kitchen, for example, to easily recognize it in the list when you connect guests.
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Rename the TV to a short and clear name without special characters, which will make it easier to control voice through Google Assistant if you plan to use voice commands to run the broadcast.
An important feature is creating groups of devices. If you have multiple speakers or TVs that support Chromecast, you can combine them into a Whole House group and stream music or video simultaneously to all screens and speakers.
Use of built-in applications on Xiaomi TV
Xiaomi TVs often have pre-installed apps that can conflict with or duplicate Chromecast features. For example, Mi Remote or embedded content aggregators can take over control. However, native Android TV apps are better used to make the Google ecosystem work.
Make sure that YouTube, Netflix, and Google Chrome apps are installed and updated on your TV, which ensure the best compatibility with the Cast protocol. If you use alternative app stores (such as APKPure), downloaded versions of video players may not be licensed to use Chromecast, and the broadcast button will be missing.
Also worth checking is the power saving settings. In some cases, the Android TV system can "dorm in" the Wi-Fi module to save energy, which leads to a connection break during the broadcast. In the Settings section -> Modes and settings -> Power and energy, make sure that too aggressive sleep timers are not worth it.
- 📺 Use the official versions of apps from the Google Play Store on your TV.
- ⚙️ Turn off Eco mode in image settings if it affects brightness when broadcasting.
- 🔌 Check if the Wi-Fi module is turned off in deep sleep mode.
Resolving Errors and Connection Problems
Even with the right setup, there can be failures, and one of the most common problems is buffering or poor picture quality, which indicates an unstable communication channel. Try to get closer to the router, or ideally connect the TV to the router via a router. LAN-cable, if the TV model has such a port, and leave the smartphone over Wi-Fi.
If you don't see the TV at all, try rebooting the router. Often the problem isn't with the TV or the phone, it's with the freezer. DHCP-server router that does not correctly distribute IP-Addresses to new connection requests. Also helps to clear the cache of the Google Play Services app on your TV.
Another possible reason is the use of VPN If it's on the phone, it's on. VPN-service, it can change the virtual location of the device, which causes the local network discovery protocol (Local Network Discovery) to stop working correctly. VPN before broadcasting.
⚠️ Note: If the video is broadcasting sound and the image is black or twitchy, this may indicate a lack of processing power of the TV processor to decode the selected codec.
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The most effective solution to 90% of Chromecast problems is to completely reboot the router and clear the cache of the Google Home app on your smartphone.
In rare cases, resetting the network settings on the TV helps. Go to Settings -> Network, select your network and click Forget Network, and then reconnect by entering your password.